If you’re considering doing a renovation or remodel on your home this summer, you may be dreading the additional upset to your day, but there is a solution to sailing through it: a home improvement vacation.
At James River Construction (JRC)
How to Escape the Dreaded Home Improvement Upset
There’s no denying that home improvement projects can interrupt your regularly scheduled life. Even with a professional contractor and the best laid plans, a renovation is disruptive by nature. So if you’re considering doing a renovation or remodel on your home this summer, you may be dreading the additional upset to your day, but there is a solution to sailing through it: a home improvement vacation.
You may already have big summer travel plans, but even if you don’t – it might be time to start. If planned ahead, traveling out of town during your home renovation can eliminate much of the disruption to your own life and allow your construction crew to work faster and more efficiently. When your family is living in the house under construction, crews work around your schedule and stage the project to interfere with your daily routine as little as possible. If you’re not there, they may be able to work longer days, schedule vendors and subs easier and work on multiple areas of the home at once.
There are two critical keys to this approach. The first is a contractor you trust. You don’t want to leave your home in the hands of just anyone, so make sure you’re working with a trusted, licensed contractor whom you have vetted thoroughly. Read reviews, ask around with neighbors and friends and even check the Better Business Bureau’s website or your local Chamber of Commerce. Ask the contractor or your project manager about their crew and who will be inside your home while you’re away. Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable and confident in handing over your keys.
The second key to this approach is extremely good design planning. Whether you use a design/build firm or an outside architect or interior designer, make sure everyone is on the same page before heading out. The more planning you can do ahead of time, the less questions there will be coming across your cell phone and email while you’re trying to relax. Walk through every detail of your design you are able to determine in advance with the appropriate person. Hardware, paint colors, vendor information, lighting, even outlet placement! It may seem tedious, but it will be worth it when you can walk away from it and fully enjoy your escape.
Despite all the planning ahead you do, there may still be issues that arise or questions that need to be answered while you’re gone. Before you leave, make sure your contractor, project manager, designer and vendors have your contact information. While you may want to totally unplug, it’s probably best to be reachable in some way on a daily basis during this time. If you’re concerned about how accessible you may be on your trip, designate a person back at home to be your representative. This could be a family member, neighbor or friend. If you do this, just make sure they are completely up to speed on the project and introduce them to the appropriate people working on your home ahead of time.
Even if you don’t have a big out of town trip scheduled to take you away from home improvement interruptions, you might consider a “staycation” instead. Book a rental house or hotel and play tourist in your own town. Even if it’s just for a few days, if scheduled during the most disruptive portions of your project (such as demolition), it can greatly reduce the stress on you and your family.
The best part of this plan is that when you come home, those post-vacation blues will be blown away with new renovation vibes. Being gone during the construction process can make the transformation even more amazing. Just don’t forget to bring back some souvenirs for your construction crew!
